Source: UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport.World Tonnage by Cargo Vessel Type, 1970-2012 (in millions dwt)For decades, oil tankers and bulk carriers have accounted for the
dominant share of the world's tonnage. Their service configuration
is relatively simple as they perform point-to-point services with
the return trip empty because of their cargo specialization (e.g.
oil, iron ore, grain). Between 2000 and 2012, the world tonnage has
almost doubled (92% growth), propelled by
a surge in global trade. This questions the sustainability of this
growth and may confer a situation of overcapacity, particularly for
containerized shipping which has grown in tonnage by 187% for the same period.
The ongoing growth of the global fleet tonnage after the financial
crisis of 2008 is underlining an acute potential for overcapacity.